Neil Sedaka, a cherished figure in music as both a gifted singer-songwriter and a skilled pianist, concluded his remarkable life journey at 86 in Los Angeles. Throughout his illustrious career, Sedaka penned an impressive catalog of over 700 songs, many of which became chart-topping hits for himself and other renowned artists. His extraordinary talent and enduring contributions left a profound impact on the landscape of popular music for decades.
Sedaka's career was characterized by two distinct periods of immense success: his initial rise as a pop idol in the late 1950s and early 1960s, followed by a remarkable resurgence in the mid-1970s. Collaborating with lyricists like Howard Greenfield and Phil Cody, he crafted melodies and lyrics that resonated with millions, earning him multiple awards and a place in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His influence extended to shaping the sound of an era and inspiring future generations of musicians, solidifying his legacy as a true music legend.
The Ascent of a Pop Icon: Early Hits and Songwriting Prowess
From his teenage years, Neil Sedaka, in partnership with lyricist Howard Greenfield, began crafting songs that would soon captivate the nation. Their initial breakthrough came in 1958 with Connie Francis's rendition of "Stupid Cupid," which climbed to No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100. This success was followed by several other hits for Francis, including the memorable theme song for the 1960 film "Where the Boys Are," which reached No. 4 in the U.S. Sedaka swiftly established himself as a prominent pop star, delivering a series of popular tunes such as "Oh! Carol," "Stairway to Heaven," and "Calendar Girl." His first No. 1 hit as a performer, "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," featuring its distinctive and catchy opening, spent 14 weeks on the singles chart in the summer of 1962, cementing his status as a music sensation.
Sedaka's early career flourished through his collaborative efforts, particularly with Greenfield. Together, they sold 25 million records between 1958 and 1962, consistently producing hit after hit. Music critics lauded his ability to combine inventive lyrics with infectious melodies, noting his unique blend of soft-rock and rhythm and blues influences, alongside his remarkably expressive tenor voice. Despite the eventual decline in his popularity during the British music invasion of the mid-1960s, Sedaka redirected his focus to songwriting. He co-wrote successful tracks for artists like The Monkees, The Cyrkle, and The 5th Dimension, demonstrating his versatile talent and resilience in the evolving music industry. His dedication to his craft, even during challenging periods, laid the groundwork for his eventual and spectacular comeback.
A Remarkable Comeback and Enduring Legacy in Music
Following a period of diminished chart presence, Neil Sedaka made a pivotal move to England in 1970, seeking new inspiration. A fortuitous encounter with Elton John in 1973 led to Sedaka signing with John's emerging label, The Rocket Record Co., marking the beginning of a spectacular career revival. This partnership culminated in the 1974 release of "Sedaka's Back," an album featuring tracks previously only available in the U.K., which peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard 200. The album also yielded his second No. 1 hit, "Laughter in the Rain," co-written with Phil Cody, which became a widespread success in the United States, signifying a triumphant return to the top of the charts.
The momentum continued with his 1975 album, "The Hungry Years," which achieved gold status in the U.S. and produced another chart-topper, "Bad Blood," famously featuring Elton John on backing vocals. This album also included a reimagined ballad version of "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do," which became a top 10 hit and earned a Song of the Year nomination, showcasing Sedaka's innovative spirit. In the same year, Captain & Tennille's recording of his song "Love Will Keep Us Together" became the best-selling single of the year and won Record of the Year at the Grammys, further solidifying his immense songwriting influence. A five-time Grammy nominee and an inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Sedaka's music, a unique blend of show tunes, pop, evergreen standards, and rock, continued to resonate with audiences, culminating in a stage musical celebrating his works and a renewed appreciation for his compositions like "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo."